Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir

Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir is a 100% Pinot Noir from Sonoma County, California, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This expression has earned Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, reflecting the winery's long track record of delivering approachable yet expressive California Pinot Noir.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Sonoma County, California  |  Dry Red Wine  |  Winery: Clos du Bois

Production & Heritage

Clos du Bois was founded in 1974 by Frank Woods, whose vision centered on marrying elegant French winemaking sensibilities with the vibrant fruit character of California's Sonoma County vineyards. Grapes are sourced from the Alexander Valley sub-region, where careful vineyard selection and gentle fruit handling guide the winemaking process. Balanced oak integration rounds out the wine's structure without overwhelming its varietal character. The winery also runs over 4,000 solar panels that supply nearly all of its energy needs, underscoring a genuine commitment to sustainable production.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Classic black cherry and blackberry lead the nose, followed by lifted notes of strawberry and rose petal. Underneath, baking spice, vanilla, and a thread of roasted oak add complexity.

Taste: The entry is lush and fruit-forward, with bright Bing cherry and cranberry flavors unfolding across the mid-palate. A silky texture carries the fruit into secondary layers of chocolate, cassis, and warming spice, supported by well-integrated oak tannins.

Finish: Medium in length with a velvety fade, lingering on notes of dark cherry, subtle vanilla, and a whisper of baking spice. The overall impression is fresh, balanced, and cleanly resolved.

How to Drink Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir

This Pinot Noir drinks well at a light chill — 55–60°F — and shines when served in a wide-bowled Burgundy glass to let its aromatics bloom. Neat or lightly chilled, it stands on its own as a weeknight sipper or dinner wine. For cocktails and mixed drinks, its soft tannins and bright fruit make it a natural fit: a Pinot Noir Sangria built with fresh berries and a splash of brandy plays to its fruit-forward character; a New York Sour benefits from the wine's cherry brightness floated atop bourbon; and a simple Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a citrus twist makes for an easy warm-weather pour.

Best For

• Weeknight dinner pairing with roasted chicken or pasta
• Introducing a new wine drinker to Pinot Noir's approachable style
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a casual dinner party
• Building a mixed case of everyday California reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir taste like? It delivers bright black cherry and cranberry fruit wrapped in a silky, medium-bodied texture, with supporting notes of vanilla, chocolate, and baking spice from balanced oak aging. The overall profile is fruit-forward, smooth, and approachable.

How does Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir compare to a Cru Beaujolais? Both wines share a light-to-medium body and vibrant berry fruit, but Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir tends toward richer cherry and vanilla-oak flavors typical of California winemaking. A Cru Beaujolais, made from Gamay, generally leans more tart and earthy with lower tannins and minimal oak influence.

Is Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, generous fruit, and smooth finish make it one of the more welcoming entry points into Pinot Noir. The balanced oak keeps things familiar without overwhelming the palate.

Where is Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir made? It is produced by Clos du Bois Winery in Sonoma County, California, with fruit sourced from the Alexander Valley, one of Sonoma's warmest and most established grape-growing sub-regions.

What foods pair well with Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir? Herb-roasted chicken benefits from the wine's cherry fruit and soft tannins. Grilled salmon mirrors its silky texture and complements its subtle spice. Mushroom risotto echoes earthy undertones in the wine. Aged Gruyère brings out the vanilla and nutmeg notes. Charcuterie boards with cured meats and dried fruit match the wine's balanced acidity and fruit-forward palate.

What sizes does Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir worth the price? Positioned as an everyday, entry-level Sonoma County Pinot Noir, it delivers solid varietal character and consistent quality at its price tier. The Gold Medal wins at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition suggest it punches above its weight among similarly priced California Pinot Noirs.

Why Clos Du Bois Pinot Noir?

Gold Medal recognition at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition across multiple vintages signals consistency rather than a one-off success — a meaningful distinction in the crowded California Pinot Noir category. The wine traces its roots to Frank Woods' founding philosophy of blending French elegance with Sonoma County fruit intensity, and the Alexander Valley sourcing gives it a warmth and richness that lighter coastal Pinot Noirs often lack. Sustainable production backed by over 4,000 solar panels adds substance to the winery's environmental claims. For drinkers seeking a reliable, fruit-driven Pinot Noir that holds up on its own or alongside a range of foods, this bottling earns its reputation as a dependable go-to.